The Haunting
Page 31
Offered death for once the brave.
I immediately thought of Phoebe and missed her terribly in that moment. But I’ll see her again, I reminded myself.
“I didn’t know that you and Damien were—”
“I was distracting him,” I interrupted, louder than I meant to. I didn’t know why I lied about how I felt about Damien. It felt safer this way. Plus, Aidan didn’t need to know about that side of me.
He blinked at me before nodding. “What happened anyway?”
I told him what Neive’s sacrifice meant.
Aidan’s eyes narrowed. “So you’re going back.” It wasn’t a question. It sounded more like an accusation.
“That’s the deal,” I said. “I lost the Challenge. I should be there forever.”
“Do you want to be?” It was a valid question.
“No,” I said truthfully. “Not forever.”
“So he’s pulled a Hades,” Aidan said and rolled his eyes.
“Sorry?”
“Hades had a wife named Persephone. She lived half the time in her world and the other half in the underworld with her husband.”
I blushed. “Well, he’s not my husband, so—”
“Same idea,” Aidan interrupted. He didn’t look pleased, but he lost his angry edge.
“I’m sorry about Neive,” he said finally.
“I’m sorry too,” I said and saw his ears redden a little. “You really liked her, huh?”
Aidan looked down, collecting his thoughts before looking up and forcing that polite smile. He changed the subject. “Thanks for coming back.”
I could feel myself blush as he backed away and instantly realized the warmth of his proximity was gone. It wasn’t like that with Damien.
“Come on.” Aidan motioned to the doorway leading downstairs. “There are a lot of worried people who need to see you.”
Aidan stopped just before the doorway. “I’m just happy it’s finally over.” He didn’t look happy, but I nodded anyway. In the back of my mind, I could hear Damien’s whisper, “It’s never over.”
Honestly, I was happy to be back with people I knew and loved, but at the same time, the Demon’s Grave wasn’t something I was scared of, not anymore. Even now, I craved that warmth in my stomach and to feel it ride up my arms. Just a hypersensitivity to energy. I guess my hypersensitivity started in my stomach, which was no surprise.
“I’m hungry,” I announced and rubbed my palms as if that could recharge the warm, power sensation.
“We’ll get you food.” Aidan smiled politely and closed the door behind us. The hinges squeaked, trapping us in temporary darkness.
Aidan turned on the flashlight on his phone.
Downstairs, I heard Robin say in her booming voice. “I think I heard something!”
“Aidan?” Joel and Claire called together.
Read met us halfway down the stairs and stopped in his tracks. His handsome face peeled into a smile. “It’s about time you came back.” And I was glad I was.
The Demon’s Grave Book One & Two
Acknowledgements
First and foremost, I have to thank the few individuals who jabbed spurs in my backside, even if they didn’t know it.
To my husband: You poor, wonderful bastard. Your unwavering logic, kindness, and patience is exactly what I needed when I needed it. I love you very much. HUZZAH!
Chelsea M. and Megan D/P. You two pushed me with hopeful gazes and with “what will happen when…?” questions. Your involvement made a resounding impact. Without you, I may have considered this a childhood whim. Thank you. I’d have made a terrible adult without this outlet.
To my parents: you’re the most honest, hard-working, and kind people that I know. You’ve taught me perseverance, patience, and gave me such a solid foundation that I didn’t realize it until I found my balance on an uneven world.
To my giant, awesome family & close friends: My aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, in-laws and friends (close and afar!). You’ve all been so supportive and genuine. I couldn’t be more blessed.
I also want to thank the editors, Matthew Baugh, Jessica Meigs & Lori Titus. Each one of you did more than just fix my dangling participles, you helped spit-shine this book. Thank you for helping me learn the craft just a little bit more.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
E.M. MacCallum grew up in Southern Alberta surrounded by harsh winds, prairies and wonderful people. She’s an avid reader, writer and random hobbyist.
You can find out more about her on her website: emmaccallum.com
Or follow/like on Twitter @EMMacCallum & Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorE.M.MacCallum